Made In China: Changing The Narrative

Noah Rosen
Sep 26
6 min read

The moment you see the label "Made in China," what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s a knee-jerk reaction: an assumption of low-quality, mass-produced goods that lack craftsmanship. But why does a country with a 1,400-year legacy of world-class artistry and blade making carry this stigma? It’s a question our team at Forge To Table has a deep passion for answering and educating. It’s time to dismantle this outdated narrative and talk about the rich history, transparent practices, and true quality found in Yangjiang, China, the "City of Knives" where our blades are forged.

The True Story of "Made in China"

The assumption of poor quality couldn't be further from the truth. In a fascinating and often hidden reality, many of the world’s most respected knife brands already rely on Chinese manufacturers. Companies like Henckels, Cuisinart, and Kershaw all produce their blades in the mega-factories across China. The irony is, these brands often hide this fact behind vague marketing statements like "globally made," which only serves to perpetuate the negative narrative. By their own actions, these companies provide undeniable proof that "Made in China" can and does mean high quality. Their endorsement and the sheer scale of production in a city like Yangjiang is, in fact, a testament to the skill, reliability, and precision of its manufacturing.

Yangjiang: The Heart of a Culinary Legacy

The story of blademaking in Yangjiang is not a recent phenomenon. It’s a foundational and ancient tradition that dates back over 1,400 years to the Tang Dynasty. This era saw the rise of the Tang Dao, a sword so renowned for its strength and artistry that its advanced forging techniques inspired the development of the iconic Japanese katana. This shared culture of knifemaking proves that Chinese craftsmanship is not a new industrial trend, but an enduring legacy.

Over the centuries, this tradition lived on and evolved. Generations of skilled artisans in Yangjiang honed their skills, adapting to new materials and techniques, and refining their designs. From the sturdy Dao to the elegant Jian, the craftsmanship was passed down, ensuring that a deep, storied history of excellence remained at the core of their work.

While Japan adopted the craftsmanship techniques of China, China continued to nurture the heritage of bladesmithing while also investing in technology. By integrating mechanical equipment into the process the Chinese smiths have excelled at efficiency while continuing to have the best quality in the world.

Some of the earliest inventions affecting the forging and working of steel originate from China. Equipment like the blast furnace, invented in China in the 5th century BC revolutionizing the process of producing liquid iron and eventually the working and creation of steels and the Trip Hammer, also invented in the 5th century, that increased the scale and efficiency of blade crafting. The water bellows were invented in China in the Han Dynasty to increase the heat and output of a forge.

In modern times, China has excelled in mass manufacturing and implemented the same techniques to improve mechanical forging techniques and technology. In modern times, China has excelled at mass manufacturing by implementing these same principles to improve mechanical forging technology. The pneumatic power hammer, a modern iteration of the trip hammer, was created to improve efficiency and make the work of a blacksmith easier. We use three of these powerful machines at our forge, and they are used around the globe, from Seki, Japan, to Solingen, Germany. These hammers are themselves manufactured in Henan, China, by companies like Anyang Forging Press. Anyang, along with Jiangsu Baixie Precision Forging, is at the forefront of innovating forging technology, and their equipment is sourced by top brands like Zwilling, Miyabi, and Mercer. This is a testament to the quality and expertise that China brings to the industry.

Even the extremely high tech CNC Forging Hammer used by Global Knives in Japan was created and is manufactured in China. Anyang Forging Press and Jiangsu Baixie Precision Forging, two Chinese companies innovating at the forefront of smithing technology are two of the top companies manufacturing equipment used by brands like Zwilling, Miyabi, Cutco, and Mercer outside of China.

Global Knives, who produces 4 levels of knives, from their Global Forged and Global Small Forged series which uses precision CNC forging hammers to their G and GS series knives that are just stamped steel and use laser cutting and polishing equipment made in China and their forges in Japan.

When the best manufacturers in the world are based in China, the best brands around the world know to source Chinese equipment for their production. The terms ‘stamped’ and ‘cold forged’ get thrown around a lot. So what do those mean? Well, firstly they are usually considered negative, and for some reasons, that is correct. Stamping, particularly cold forging which is a specific type of cold stamping, is a highly efficient method for mass-producing knives quickly and at a lower cost. This process involves cutting a blade's profile from a sheet of steel using a laser or a powerful press. A company like Global, while renowned for quality, utilizes stamping for many of its popular knife lines (the G and GS series) to achieve a lighter, more flexible blade profile. Other Japanese brands, such as Tojiro and Masahiro, also use stamping for their more affordable, entry-level knives. High-volume, mass-produced knives can indeed and often do originate from countries like Japan, challenging the stereotype that they are exclusively known for handmade, forged blades.

This dynamic also highlights a changing global manufacturing landscape. While Japan has a rich history of traditional sword and knife making, modern, high-quality manufacturing is a global enterprise. China, with its long and significant history in metallurgy, dating back to the invention of the blast furnace and water-powered forging equipment over a thousand years ago, has become a leader in producing the very machinery used worldwide. Today, manufacturers like Anyang Forging Press produce high-quality, computer-controlled forging hammers and other advanced equipment that are essential for making top-tier forged knives.

This means that a knife with a "Made in Japan" or "Made in Germany" stamp may have been created using a forging hammer or a polishing machine that was made in China. Meanwhile, many Chinese brands like Forge To Table are gaining acclaim for producing meticulously crafted, high-end knives that use premium materials and innovative designs. This clearly breaks the stereotype that all Chinese knives are of low quality and illustrates how the global flow of technology and manufacturing has blurred traditional geographical lines of production and quality.

A New Standard of "Made in China"

This is where Forge To Table’s philosophy completely breaks from the pack. We believe "Made in China" is not a fact to hide, but a point of pride and transparency. Our team is a tight-knit family of 5 skilled smiths along with 17 valued team members. We don't hide their faces or their origins. We honor their storied traditions and their craftsmanship in every blade we make.

We actively change the narrative through our practices. We invest in our people, not just in equipment. We support our team with extended paid holiday breaks, fostering a family-like environment that results in incredible loyalty. This combination of traditional methods and modern, ethical practices results in a beautiful fusion of craftsmanship and affordability. We are living proof that "Made in China" can and should be a label that stands for quality, a deep history of craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing.

Changing the Narrative, One Knife at a Time

The negative "Made in China" narrative is a misconception, perpetuated by brands that hide the truth, not a reflection of the actual craftsmanship. The legacy of Yangjiang is one of ancient artistry and modern innovation, trusted by the world's largest brands for their own products. For us, the label isn't a factory stamp, it’s a symbol of our unwavering commitment to our team and our pride in a rich cultural heritage.

Join us in this new perspective. Experience the quality, feel the history, and empower yourself with a knife that truly redefines what "Made in China" means.

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